There is no reason why a well-maintained air conditioner won't last you almost a lifetime. But yet reports show us many air conditioning units only last a single year! Why are so many breaking down and failing in the first year? Because most people don't bother maintaining them or doing general checks on them so they break easier. Using these ten tips you should be able to keep it running through the current heatwave and well into the coming years...
Keep Your Eye on Power Use
If you have a smart electricity meter it will be worth keeping an eye out for spikes in power usage. The reason for this is because your AC will take in more power the less inefficient it becomes. By noticing these power spikes early you can get it checked over by hiring an AC repairman in your area and thus save it from stopping completely.
Frequent Cycling
Have you noticed that your AC keeps cycle on and off rather a lot, or at least more than is usually does? This could be the fault of a dodgy thermostat that is easy to replace, but as time goes on it will cause more and more problems.
Ice or Condensation
If you notice even a small build-up of ice or moisture on the AC unit itself it is probably time to call out an engineer. While it could be something as simple as a dirty filter that said ice will cause other problems the more time you let it accumulate.
Clean Those Filters
Taling of filters, when was the last time you cleaned yours? Even a little hover out or dust off can make a world of difference to your AC's effectiveness. If you can't get access to them easily just hire an AC technician to give it the once over because the small fee they will charge for this will be nothing compared to if they have to fix it.
Keep Your Ears Open
Have you noticed a change in the tone of your AC's "hum"? If so you might want to get it looked at ASAP because a change in sounds your AC is making is usually a sign of mechanical failure and a sign of something much worse about to happen. While it does take a while to get used to the sounds and noises your AC makes anyway, is something to think about long-term.
Keep Your Doors and Windows Closed
This is AC maintenance 101, but it is still a really good tip. If you don't want to overwork your AC simply keeping all your doors and windows shut is a great way to increase its efficiency and lifespan. There is no point keeping the porch cool if you are in the middle of a heatwave!
Keep Your Condenser in The Shade
While not all AC units have this if you just so happen to have an outside condenser do try and keep it covered over. You can do this with shrubbery, but make sure it is not growing too close to the unit itself.
Avoid Hot Cooking
If you can avoid using your cooker and dryer in peak temperature times it will reduce the strain on your AC, even if it is just a small amount. While you won't notice this in efficiency running costs you will notice it in terms of long-term maintenance.
Cool The Rooms You Use
While not all AC units and systems will have this feature if yours does have zoning options do consider only cooling the room you use the most. The living room, the kitchen and of course the bedroom are all essential, but that spare room and empty loft extension isn't and will save you both money and long-term operating costs.
Cooling For Nothing
This last time is the one that will not only save you the most money, but it will reduce the strain you put on your AC unit. And that tip is to turn it off if you don't need it. Are you going to be out of the house all day? Maybe set a timer for an hour before you come home, or if you are going away for a few you might not need it on at all. There is zero point in cooling your home for nothing so try and keep that into consideration.
If you have any tips for maintaining and keeping your air conditioning unit efficient over time do leave a comment in the box below.
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